At the end of Return of the King, the final chapter of The Lord of the Rings, Aragorn becomes king. Over many years he had lived with the reluctant expectation that one day that he would be king. All this knowing that Denathor, who selfishly enjoyed the praise of the people, was sitting in his rightful place. After Denathor's death, Aragorn finally assumes the throne. And one of his first acts as king is to bow to someone else.

I usually tear up during that part of the movie. Yes, I'm emotional in general. But it's moving to me! How often do we fight for status or position or recognition? When we get it do we use it well? Do we use it to point to something greater to ourselves or just back at us?

King David's son Solomon had that choice to make. David is now gone and Solomon is king. He builds a great temple. Not for himself. But to one greater. When the Lord's temple is completed Solomon has a platform built for a specific purpose.

The Solomon stood before the temple of the Lord in front of the whole assembly of Israel and spread out his hands. Now he had made a platform 7 1/2 feet long, 7 1/2 feet wide, and 4 1/2 feet high, and had it placed in the center of the outer court. He stood on the platform and then knelt down before the whole assembly of Israel and spread his hands toward heaven. 2 Chronicles 6:12-13

Solomon does not build this platform in order to gain status. He already has it. He doesn't build the platform to gain recognition. He already has it. He builds the platform to make a point. To show an example. Solomon built the platform so that everyone can see him bowing before God. So that people understand that he, Solomon, is not in control. God is. He bows before God to show the people who is greater. It is his example.

As a worship leader, I sometimes have wondered (and have been asked) why we have platforms or stages. There are the practical reasons, of course. So people can see, etc. But the real reason is to show an example. Just like Solomon. Worship leaders beware... the platform is not for you. It is not to gain status. It is not to gain recognition. It is to show an example and point others to one who is greater. Just like Solomon.

We all have days where praise comes our way. Don't enjoy it too much. Don't be Denathor. Be like Solomon. Be like Aragorn. When it comes, be gracious. Be thankful. And point back to the one greater than yourself.

A good reminder Scott. Stages and Platforms. I think of this upcoming election year. All of these candidates fighting for their time in the spotlight. Notice how all of them do NOT point to one who is greater. We've been told that proclaiming our faith makes us bigots and unwanted. We need more boldness.....more people proclaming it is not about them, but the God who made them!

Thanks for your thoughts, Fred! Our entire purpose here on earth is the bring God glory... to point to him. If only our leaders accepted this! Imagine if they were like David or Solomon publicly pointing the the Lord. Even in failure, pointing to God's graciousness and forgiveness in humility.

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Jes

9/16/2015 07:40:24 pm

More of you, God; less of me! I fear I am my favourite subject and I need this reminder often - not just as someone who steps foot on a stage, but in every aspect of life. Listen more, love more, pray more, speak less...